University of Reading

University

Advanced Computer Science

Develop in-depth knowledge on the analysis of data, data-driven knowledge discovery and advanced computing for Big Data.
This course is aimed at graduates in disciplines related to Computer Science and to IT professionals and data analysts, with part-time and flexible teaching modes available. You also have the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus programme, which involves placements in other EU research institutes.
You will have access to PC labs, a library, remote connection to a virtual network, a virtual reality environment, and big data computing clusters.
Our specialist areas of research include:
- Big data analytics and its applications in various areas, such as remotely sensed data analysis/interpretation, weather forecasting, communication data stream analysis.
- Computational vision and its applications in visual surveillance, border control and security, machine learning for image/video based prediction and classification.
- Cloud computing: data security and network security.
This course offers strong career prospects as Big Data Analytics is the next frontier for innovation competition and productivity.
**Careers**
This course enables students to develop industry-relevant, in-depth knowledge of the analysis of data, data-driven knowledge discovery, machine learning and advanced computing paradigms for Big Data, such as Cloud Computing. It also offers opportunities for carrying out an industrial or research project.
The course is designed for students who have already studied Computer Science as a first degree who wish to learn more about the state-of-the-art technologies and algorithms in the field of Data Science and Big Data. It is relevant both for individuals who may progress immediately from undergraduate study and those who are currently working as IT professionals and data analysts.
The course is available to study full-time over one year, part-time over two years, or on a flexible modular basis over a period of up to five years to fit around work commitments. Alternatively, it is possible to take the taught modules as free-standing training courses with two enrolment options:
* Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with no assessment
* Individual modules with assessment which could then contribute towards a postgraduate qualification (MSc, Diploma or Certificate).
**Sample modules**
- Big data analytics and mining
- Artificial intelligence
- Cloud computing
- Machine learning
- Visual intelligence

Entry requirements

MSc: You are normally required to have at least a high 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent from a university outside the UK) in computing or a related discipline or relevant work experience.
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent).